December 17, 2019

BIBLE READING: Revelation 12

5 And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.
6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.

Throughout this chapter, we see the chosen nation of Israel (the Woman vv. 1-2) go through struggles. While Satan (the Red Dragon vv. 3-4) tries to destroy them. The answer comes from the promised Messiah Jesus (the Child vv. 5-6) who died for the sins of the world, rose again, ascended to heaven, and one day will return to as ruler. The fate of Israel and of Satan is told easily through this story in two chapters. Though this is a very quick description given of what happens to Israel throughout the Bible, this shows two great details about Israel’s problem.

First, there was an answer to their problem, the Child. Jesus was to come to earth to die for sin and be the Messiah, but many thought He was to be ruler then. This will not happen until after the Tribulation. The first time He came to save men from sin, but His second coming, He will mightily rule (vs. 5a). The Lord Jesus Christ is the answer to problems given. This was referring to Israel, but God gave us the answer to our sin problem through Christ as well.

Second, we see a promise was answered. God kept His promise from the beginning in Genesis 3:15, that there would be a Messiah, and Jesus will keep his promise to return and rule. The great thing about the Bible is we know the ending and God wins! The wonderful news God knows our problems and wants to help. II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” I’m so glad, through Jesus, we can go to a caring and loving God, who has an answer and keeps His promises!
David Fulp